Ashok Leyland iBus to cost Rs 60
lakh

BY OUR AUTOMOBILE CORRESPONDENT

16
January, 2008

Ashok Leyland has launched iBus, its
low-floor concept bus at the Auto Expo
2008. Priced at Rs 60 lakh, the iBus
is a 1.5-metre low-floor bus, also
believed to be the widest vehicle in
the country. The iBus employs GPS
technology that enables vehicle
tracking and displays route
information on an LCD screen.

The iBus also provides passenger
infotainment with user-friendly
message and news. Other features of
the iBus include an anti-lock braking
system (ABS), electronic engine
management, and an elegantly designed
VIP enclosure, complete with Internet
access.

Experts believe that the new low floor
buses currently on display could
provide commuters with a safer travel
option, not just in New Delhi, but
everywhere in the country.

The Delhi administration is planning
to float tenders for buses to help it
tide over the public transportation
crisis. Ashok Leyland is expected to
bid for the next tender for low-floor
buses from the Delhi Transport
Corporation. Leyland is also expected
to bid for the second and third tender
of the DTC for about 3,500 buses.

The Delhi Transport Corporation plans
to bring in as many as an 8,000 buses
to its fleet before the 2010
Commonwealth Games. This initiative is
expected to cost Rs 4000 crore for the
Corporation.

Ashok Leyland is gearing up to sell as
many as 100-150 iBUSes in the next
fiscal.